Spinal tumor treatment

Choosing a spine tumor treatment plan that’s right for you

Penn Medicine offers a variety of treatment options for the full range of spinal tumors. Treatment plans vary depending on your situation, ranging from standard approaches to active monitoring and clinical trials.

When considering your spine tumor treatment plan, the following factors will help your provider determine the best treatment for your specific needs:

  • The type of tumor
  • The size of the tumor
  • Whether the tumor started in the spine or traveled from somewhere else in your body
  • Your age and overall health
  • The risk of damage to the spinal cord and nearby nerves

Active monitoring of spine tumor

In certain situations, your doctor may recommend monitoring a tumor rather than immediately treating it. For example, if a small tumor doesn’t continue to grow and isn’t pressing on surrounding tissues, a watchful waiting approach may be appropriate. During the monitoring period, you may be required to get computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans so your doctor can keep track of any changes to the tumor.

Clinical trials for spine tumors and spine cancer

In addition to providing standard treatments, Penn Medicine’s Spine Tumor Program is at the forefront of research for spinal tumors. A treatment clinical trial is a study meant to help improve current treatments or get information on new treatment options. If you’ve been diagnosed with a spinal tumor, you may benefit from a clinical trial. Clinical trials are conducted throughout several stages—some are open to patients who haven’t started treatment yet, while others are specifically aimed at patients who are either undergoing or have completed treatment. Ask your doctor if a clinical trial is right for you.

Exploring other therapies

Alternative medicines aren’t a cure for cancer, but certain complementary or alternative treatments might offer relief from symptoms. For example, studies suggest that acupuncture could help alleviate nausea, vomiting, and certain types of pain associated with cancer. However, it’s important to talk with your provider before starting complementary or alternative treatments because some treatments, like herbal remedies, may interact with your medications.

Providing advanced treatment options and compassionate care

Penn Medicine experts treat both cancerous and non-cancerous spinal column and spinal cord tumors using advanced imaging and surgical technology. Our specialists take the team approach to planning your care. Experienced clinicians across multiple disciplines involved in managing your condition—neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and other specialists—create a plan that fits your needs. Our team uses the most up-to-date techniques to give you the best care possible.

In addition, our oncology nurse navigators help to surround you and your family with compassion and understanding as you undergo spine cancer treatment. You can rely on them to explain medical terms, assist with appointments, and connect you with resources. They also support you and your family by offering education on treatments, strategies for managing side effects, and programs to reduce recurrence risk. We want to ensure that you feel empowered, supported, and deeply cared for while partnering with our teams. From understanding your disease to managing treatment side effects to recovery, we're here to give you the support you need.

Recognized excellence in spine care

Penn Medicine providers always put your health first. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Lancaster General Hospital are designated as Blue Distinction Centers for spine surgery. This means that these centers offer comprehensive spine surgery services and provide quality care that leads to lower readmission and fewer repeat surgeries. Everything we do is designed to give you the best possible outcome.

National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

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